Meet Dr. Betzy, our first woman lead dentist

By Bruce Cooper and Chris Peterson

Betzanahy Leyva's phone alarm goes off at 4am every morning. It's time to start her day. She makes breakfast for her husband, Danny, and 13-month-old daughter, then sees her husband off to work before getting herself ready to do the same. 

She packs a bag for her daughter, drops her off at her mother’s home, then drives to the Delta Dental of Arizona Oral Health Center at St. Vincent de Paul's Watkins Campus in Phoenix. The dental center has been a staple in Betzy’s life since graduating from high school. 

“I remember out of high school, thinking, 'What do I do now? I’m going to go to college, but what am I going to do? Who am I going to be? What am I going to be?” Betzy recalled. “A friend of my mom’s had a daughter that volunteered here in nursing. She said I think they have a dental program so check it out."  

After just a couple of months, Betzy knew she wanted to be a dental hygienist. However, while she was determined, there were times when she wasn’t quite sure this place or occupation was for her. 

“A lot of times I questioned myself. Growing up in a disadvantaged family or background you don’t see that, a Hispanic little girl wants to be a doctor or a hygienist," she said. "So, you’re like, am I going to be able to do this? Do I have the brain to do this? You doubt yourself a lot.”  

But with the support and encouragement from her family and staff mentors, Betzy persevered. And coupled with hard work and dedication she worked her way to the top. 

In fact, nearly 19 years later, Betzy is still at the center, and Betzy is the organization’s first-ever female assistant dental director. 

“I’ve been here so long,” Betzy said with a laugh. “I still can’t believe it, but it’s a big step. I get to make big decisions, help more people, be more involved in guiding our residents and our dental students.” 

Betzy adds that she feels she's right where she's supposed to be.  

“Everything flows so well, like I’m supposed to be doing this," she said. "It feels so natural that I don’t feel pressure.” 

And for the future of her career, Betzy hopes to only see more work at SVdP.

“My goal is to still be here, hopefully as the director. Working with someone who has the same desire and passion. I want to teach my daughter and for her to see what I do here.”